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Oct 20, 2024

Apple Event 2024: iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro; What's New?

Apple Glowtime Event 2024: Previously, Apple's Pro iPhone lineup consisted of two size options: the compact 6.1-inch Pro model and the expansive 6.7-inch Pro Max variant. However, this dynamic has

Apple Glowtime Event 2024: Previously, Apple's Pro iPhone lineup consisted of two size options: the compact 6.1-inch Pro model and the expansive 6.7-inch Pro Max variant. However, this dynamic has changed with the latest releases. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have both undergone a screen size upgrade, catering to our growing reliance on smartphones. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro now boasts a larger 6.3-inch display. Let's delve into a comprehensive comparison of the iPhone 16 Pro and its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro, to uncover all the key differences.

The most striking design update in the iPhone 16 Pro is the introduction of a larger 6.3-inch display, complemented by slimmer bezels that surround the screen. This subtle yet impactful refinement creates a more immersive visual experience, making the most of the device's compact form factor. Here are the key differences:

Source: apple.com

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a significant design evolution, featuring a larger 6.3-inch screen and slimmed-down bezels, culminating in a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Despite this enhancement, the device remains remarkably compact, staying true to the iPhone's signature dimensions.

While the overall styling remains largely consistent with its predecessor, the 15 Pro, and the 16 Pro share the same premium materials, including a robust titanium frame and the newly introduced, ultra-durable "Ceramic Shield" glass cover. The colour palette remains unchanged, offering four options: a deep black, crisp white, subtle grey, and warm gold (Desert) finish.

The new 6.3-inch screen size strikes a perfect balance for many users, and we applaud Apple for recognizing this sweet spot. The slimmer screen borders enhance the visual experience, while the maximum brightness remains consistent. Notably, the minimum brightness can now be reduced to an impressive 1 nit, ideal for nighttime use. One feature conspicuously absent is an anti-reflective coating, which would significantly improve outdoor screen visibility. Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra has successfully implemented this technology, and we hope Apple considers it for future models. In the meantime, a screen protector can provide a similar benefit. Face ID remains largely unchanged, with rumours of an invisible front camera in development, but no concrete timeline for its release. For now, this feature remains a distant possibility.

Apple's A-series processors have historically set the bar high, but Qualcomm's recent Snapdragon chips have closed the gap. The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro was outperformed by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in gaming and power efficiency, leaving room for improvement. Fortunately, the new A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro makes a significant leap to second-gen 3nm technology, delivering substantial enhancements in CPU and GPU performance, with a focus on AI capabilities. Although both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro share the same 8GB of RAM, the A18 Pro's advancements and AI-optimized design set it apart. Note that Apple's AI features will be rolled out gradually, with some features like ChatGPT integration arriving later this year, and others, like the new Siri, expected in the first half of 2025. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro boasts a new Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem, enhancing connectivity and signal strength, alongside Wi-Fi 7 support, which promises theoretically faster speeds (2.4X) and lower latency, compared to the Wi-Fi 6E on the iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone 16 Pro retains the triple-camera setup of its predecessor but with two significant upgrades. Firstly, the telephoto camera now boasts a longer 5X zoom, replacing the 3X zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro, allowing for greater detail capture at extended ranges. This enhancement is ideal for concert footage or distant subjects. However, the loss of the 3X optical zoom option may be felt, particularly in portrait mode, where a 5X zoom can be too restrictive. Secondly, the ultra-wide camera now features a 48MP sensor, promising improved low-light performance and increased detail. The 48MP main camera appears to remain unchanged. In terms of video capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces a groundbreaking feature: 4K120 recording. Previous models were limited to 1080p at 120fps, but this new feature enables stunning, cinematic footage. Apple showcased this capability with a music video shot entirely on an iPhone in 4K120, and we eagerly anticipate further testing this impressive feature.

The larger form factor of the iPhone 16 Pro presents an ideal opportunity for Apple to boost battery life, and they've delivered. With a rated 27 hours of video playback, the iPhone 16 Pro significantly outperforms its predecessor's 20 hours. Although the exact battery size remains unknown (pending teardowns), rumours suggest a 10% increase to 3,577mAh, up from the previous model's 3,274mAh. While wired charging remains capped at 20W, MagSafe charging has seen a welcome upgrade to 25W, a notable jump from the 15 Pro's 15W. This enhancement will undoubtedly appeal to users seeking faster charging capabilities.

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